Gaza, Gender, and the Age of Obama

Abstract:     
President Obama stated during his presidential campaign: “Nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people.” The situation for all Gazans remains dire. Adrien Wing and Samuel Nielson advocate for gender issues not to be left out of whatever developments do occur. When a general project is being planned, emphasis on female needs as well as male needs should be conceptualized and implemented. With careful attention the United States must not be perceived as advantaging women over men, or as implementing western “feminist” principles in this Muslim nation.

The authors call on the Obama administration to act decisively to improve conditions in Gaza in light of Israel's recent crushing offensive. Part I of this article proposes that the United States engage in diplomatic relations with Hamas. Part II examines economic development and education, looking at what the United States has done regarding these areas and suggests actions the Obama administration should take concerning the status of women in Gaza. Part III discusses constitutionalism in Palestine, specifically addressing the Basic Law of 2002 and the Draft Constitution and language pertaining to gender. Part IV concludes with suggestions as to what the Obama administration might do within the current Palestinian legal framework.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 15

Keywords: Hamas, Détente, Middle East Détente, Gaza, Gaza Human Rights, gender, dialogue, Palestinian women, Palestinian gender issues, State building, overcoming discrimination, reform, critical race feminism, Basic Law 2002

JEL Classification: K10, K49, K30, K39

Accepted Paper Series